While we here in Minnesota have been working hard to promote policies in our state legislature, early childhood issues are getting attention on the federal level. Sen. Clinton (NY) announced a pre-kindergarten proposal last month as part of her presidential campaign. This proposal would give $10 billion to give every 4-year old access to a pre-kindergarten experience. Currently, Sen. Clinton is drafting a bill to introduce later this year based on her proposal.
Also, Sen. Casey (PA) has introduced a bill, S. 1374, known as the "Prepare All Kids Act of 2007". From the bill summary, this act will assist states in making voluntary high quality full-day pre-kindergarten programs available and economically affordable for the families of all children for at least 1 year preceding kindergarten. The bill includes funds for infant and toddler programs, extended day and extended year programs, as well as eligibility for community-based programs such as Head Start and child care. Read Sen. Casey's remarks for more detail.
After you'd had a chance to read the bill, I'd love to read your comments. What do you think about the idea? How could it work in Minnesota?
Thursday, June 21, 2007
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2 comments:
I believe very strongly that I am my children's most important teacher. What I love about ECFE programs is the reinforcement by a non-parent figure of the things I am teaching at home. I am also building a community for my children that will be with them when they are in need.
These things being said, I understand the need for quality programs for children who need to be cared for during the day. I just hope that these programs don't replace the ones that are working wonderfully for at-home parents.
Yes, parents are a child's most important teachers! What we need is a system that allows for each family to choose the programs the work best for them and will prepare our children for success in school.
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